Crime
Shamsud-Din Jabbar acted alone in New Orleans attack, FBI says
New Orleans, LA – Federal authorities have confirmed that Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the 42-year-old suspect in the deadly New Year’s Day truck attack on Bourbon Street, likely acted alone.
In a press conference on Thursday, Deputy Assistant Christopher Raia of the FBI’s Counterterrorism Division stated, “We do not assess at this point that anyone else is involved in this attack except for Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the subject you’ve already been briefed on.”
The announcement marks a significant shift from earlier statements made by Assistant Special Agent in Charge Alethea Duncan. Just 24 hours prior, Duncan suggested the possibility of additional suspects, saying, “We do not believe that Jabbar was solely responsible. We are aggressively running down every lead, including those of his known associates.”
Initially, investigators pursued leads indicating that Jabbar might have had accomplices, particularly regarding the placement of improvised explosive devices separate from the truck used in the attack. However, after thorough investigation, the FBI has found no evidence to support those claims.
“In the immediate hours following the attack, our team worked diligently to investigate all possible connections,” said Raia. “While initial leads suggested the potential involvement of others, those leads have not borne out.”
Authorities continue to examine Jabbar’s background and actions leading up to the attack. The FBI has not ruled out the possibility of discovering indirect influences or radicalizing factors, but current evidence suggests Jabbar acted as a “lone wolf.”
Deputy Assistant Director Christopher Raia of the FBI Counterterrorism Division officially labeled the New Orleans attack an act of terrorism during a Wednesday news conference.
“This was premeditated and an evil act,” Raia stated, emphasizing the deliberate and malicious nature of the attack.
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry highlighted the extensive efforts of law enforcement, noting that over 1,000 agents and officers have reviewed surveillance footage, conducted interviews, and pursued leads since the incident.
To support ongoing efforts, Gov. Landry issued an emergency declaration to streamline resources for state, local, and federal partners involved in the investigation.
Officials are expected to address additional details of the investigation and confirm Jabbar’s motivations during a subsequent press briefing.
The New Year’s Day tragedy unfolded early Thursday morning when Jabbar allegedly drove a truck into a crowd on Bourbon Street, killing 15 people and injuring dozens more. Initially described as a coordinated effort, the attack sent shockwaves through the city and prompted a large-scale federal investigation.
Despite the revised assessment, law enforcement officials emphasize that the investigation remains active. “We are committed to following every lead and ensuring the safety of our communities,” Raia assured.
In the meantime, the city of New Orleans continues to mourn the victims of the attack while seeking answers about how such a tragedy could occur. Officials are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the FBI or local law enforcement.
The confirmation of Jabbar as a lone actor highlights the challenges of countering so-called “lone wolf” attacks, which often occur without advance warning or direct communication with others. The FBI has pledged to continue its work to identify any possible triggers or influences that led to this act of violence.
ERIE, Pa. — Matthew S. Stone, also known as Matt Stone, has reportedly been identified as the suspected gunman in a deadly mass shooting at a residence on Perry Street in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Friday, October 9, 2026.
The shooting reportedly claimed nine lives, including those of his daughter, Angelina Stone, and her two young children, according to information shared by family members and other reports.
Authorities responded to a residence at 722 Perry Street at approximately 5 p.m. after receiving emergency calls reporting gunfire.
The incident developed into an hours-long standoff before officers entered the home and found multiple victims.
The suspected shooter was also found dead inside the residence, reportedly from what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The reported identification of Matthew S. Stone as the suspect has added another painful dimension to a tragedy that has devastated relatives, friends and the wider Erie community. However, the suspect’s identity and the reported family relationships should be treated as unconfirmed unless officially verified by law enforcement.
Angelina Stone, 24, her 5-year-old son, Isiah Hodges, and her nearly 2-year-old daughter, Amari’anna, have reportedly been identified among those killed in the shooting.
Family-shared information and a fundraising appeal described Angelina as pregnant and expecting a baby boy named Kyrie in the coming weeks. The reported deaths of Angelina and her children have left relatives and friends grieving the loss of a young mother and the children whose lives were cut short.
Information shared by family members reportedly identified Matthew S. Stone as Angelina’s father and the person responsible for killing her and her children. However, the information available for this report does not establish that police have officially confirmed the suspect’s identity, the family relationships or the allegations surrounding the deaths.
Lora Roberts, a mother of five and volunteer advocate for people experiencing homelessness, has also reportedly been identified as a victim.
Roberts was known for her community service and was reportedly a former member of the board of directors of Community of Caring, an Erie nonprofit that provides food and shelter to people in need.
According to information shared about the incident, Roberts was reportedly attempting to help a family member escape when she was shot. Her reported death has left five children without their mother and loved ones mourning a woman remembered for her compassion and willingness to help others.
April Miles Pineiro shared a heartfelt tribute remembering Jonathan and Matthew Stone as close childhood friends who helped make her early years unforgettable.
Pineiro recalled meeting the brothers when they were children and quickly becoming part of a close group of neighborhood friends. They spent hours playing outdoors, including hide-and-seek games in which the boys sometimes wore a clown mask to scare their friends.
She remembered how the children continued spending time together through cold and snowy weather and how they walked to the school bus stop together when they learned they would attend the same school.
Pineiro also recalled Jonathan’s childhood crush on her and a memorable visit to a park when playful horseplay on a slide ended with both brothers falling. She described these memories with affection, emphasizing the lasting bond they shared.
In her tribute, Pineiro expressed heartbreak over the reported deaths and promised to cherish their memories.
“I’ll love you ALWAYS AND FOREVER Matthew and Jonathan,” she wrote.
Her words reflected the depth of the friendships and the profound grief being felt by those who knew the brothers.
According to reports, witnesses told investigators that a man fired a handgun outside the residence before entering the home. Two women were initially found dead in the street.
Erie police officers and the department’s SWAT team surrounded the property and attempted to persuade the man inside to surrender. Additional gunshots were reportedly heard while officers remained outside.
Police eventually entered the residence and discovered additional victims in different areas of the home, including children. The suspected shooter was found dead inside, reportedly with what appeared to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Authorities said there was no continuing threat to the public after the situation was contained.
Erie Police Chief Rick Lorah described the incident as devastating and deeply disturbing for the officers and investigators involved.
“The loss of life is devastating, and the circumstances we are working through are deeply disturbing,” Lorah said.
Mayor Daria Devlin also expressed condolences to the victims’ families and everyone affected by the tragedy, calling it a terrible loss for the community.
The Erie County Coroner’s Office and police investigators remained at the scene late Friday to document evidence and establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Counseling was reportedly being made available to responding officers following the traumatic incident.
The reported deaths of Angelina Stone, her children, Lora Roberts and other victims have left families and friends facing an unimaginable loss.
Community members continue to share tributes, remembering the victims through stories of childhood friendships, family bonds and efforts to help others.
Authorities are working to establish the full sequence of events and confirm the identities and relationships of those involved. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional official information may clarify the reported identity of the suspected shooter and the circumstances leading to the deadly incident.